Hemorrhoids Specialist

Gastroenterology on Gramercy Park

Gastroenterology located in Lower Manhattan, New York, NY

Hemorrhoids are very common. They’re also often very painful, and at-home treatments and dietary changes don’t always work. Experienced doctors Bharat Sanghavi, MD, and Moushumi Sanghavi, MD, at Gastroenterology on Gramercy Park in New York City, treat persistent hemorrhoids using nonsurgical techniques such as banding, infrared coagulation, and HET™ ligation. To schedule a treatment for hemorrhoids, call or click today.

Hemorrhoids Q & A

What is a hemorrhoid?

Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the lowest part of your rectum and anus. They’re very common, and they usually develop when you strain during bowel movements or have increased pressure on veins in that area. The most common reasons for increased pressure include a low-fiber diet — thus leading to strained bowel movements — standing or sitting a lot, lifting heavy items, and pregnancy.

Hemorrhoids affect the majority of adults at some point in their lives and can affect both the inside of the rectum — internal hemorrhoids — and the area surrounding the anus — external hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids sometimes bleed and are painful and itchy.

External hemorrhoids are typically more painful than internal hemorrhoids because there are far more nerves around your anus than inside your rectum. However, internal hemorrhoids do often bleed and can sometimes prolapse, which means they shift downward and you can feel them externally.

When does a hemorrhoid need medical attention?

Hemorrhoids are rarely dangerous, and most hemorrhoids clear up within a couple of weeks, either on their own or with the help of at-home remedies, such as over-the-counter creams, ointments, and warm water baths. You can treat most hemorrhoids and keep them from developing through lifestyle and dietary changes, such as eating more fiber and drinking more water to reduce strain on your bowels.

If you’re only experiencing minor discomfort, your doctor may recommend you first try to treat your hemorrhoids at home. However, if you are experiencing persistent bleeding, the pain is interfering with your everyday life, and the hemorrhoids aren’t improving, you should seek treatment.

What treatment options are available for hemorrhoids?

Gastroenterology on Gramercy Park offers a selection of nonsurgical treatments for hemorrhoids. These treatments include:

Banding

In this procedure, your doctor places a tiny rubber band around the hemorrhoid, which immediately cuts off the blood supply. It will shrink and normally fall off within a week.

Infrared coagulation

With this treatment, your doctor aims an intense beam of infrared light at the hemorrhoid. It will normally shrivel and then recede in 7 to 10 days.